Tunnel, Korean drama series (2017)

People have always held a kind of morbid fascination when it comes to serial killers. One has to wonder why on Earth that is. There is nothing romantic about it. In fact when you look at all the serial killers from the past and present all you see is a lot of sadness and pain. Especially for the families of the victims of these often loathsome individuals. What drives one to become one? Some of them are just born that way, and have an evil inside them from a very young age. But it also happens that something triggers it. Choosing the wrong friends, an abusive childhood, a traumatic experience, all of these might be the cause of turning someone into a murderous psychopath. But they also say that each and every one of us has a dark side. Which brings me back to my original question, why are we so obsessed with them. Is it because of that inner darkness that we all have inside and that we have to satisfy it in some way? You think I am overreacting? Well, look at the sheer amount of movies and books about serial killers. Got you there didn’t I? Getting creeped out already by this post? Am I getting under your skin? Insert evil grin. No worries…this introduction only served to set the tone for the thrilling Korean drama series Tunnel. Which of course features a serial killer, and time travel. Say what?!?

Why are you looking at me with such a dumb face?

It is the year 1986 when we meet up with Park Gwang Ho a police detective who is always very determined, enthusiastic and takes his job very seriously. One a day a horrific series of killings shakes up his police district. Women are found dead, having been strangled with their own stockings, and strange dots are left behind on their ankles. Purely by chance the detective stumbles on the culprit and gives chase on foot. Eventually the killer and Park Gwang Ho end up in a tunnel where a fight between them begins. Unfortunately the killer gets the upper hand and strikes our hero on the head leaving him unconscious. When he wakes up and exits the tunnel, he gets the shock of his life. Apparently Park Gwang Ho has been transported thirty years into the future leaving him stranded in the year 2016. Determined to find his way back home and to his wife he left behind, he assumes the identity of a police detective who carries the same name as himself. Together with a new (and in the beginning very reluctant) partner named Kim Sun Jae, and a beautiful but mysterious criminal profiler and psychology professor Shin Jae Yi, he tries to fit into this new and unfamiliar world. But when it seems the murders that he tried to stop 30 years ago are starting up again, things become very grim indeed. The serial killer is still at large and will stop at nothing to continue with his killing spree……

Who are you calling a cold fish?!?!

Time travel and a serial killer blended into one single series? That is pretty much a match made in heaven. While this 16 episode series wasn’t perfect, it was very enjoyable and I bingewatched the hell out of it finishing it in about 3 days. One of the best things in this Korean drama is once again it’s characters. The three leads had a very good chemistry between them, which helped make this series a cut above the rest. Actor Choi Jin-huyk brings to life the hero time travelling cop and he just had a vibrant energy to his role that worked very well. He seems to be able to handle a wide range of emotions, from heartbreak to comedy, and he is able to switch between them in the blink of an eye. His future partner played by actor Yoon Hyun-min is more serious, but the chemistry between both actors is terrific. I really enjoyed some of their comedic banter that hardly ever failed to bring a smile to my face and a lot of their scenes together were certainly the highlight of this series. And then there was actress Lee Yoo-young who played the role of Shin Jae Yi. She was a bit of a cold fish at the start of this series, and I did not really know what to make of her. But when the series progressed her character began to grow, and at the end I really ended up liking her very much. She was very heroic and a verbal exchange between her and the killer in one of the show’s final episodes gave me goosebumps. She played that scene so incredibly well and lifelike.

This guy had such a fun role (yeah I know he looks like he doesn’t have much humor)

Speaking of the role of the killer, and I am not going to mention the actor’s name in fear of spoilers, I can only say one thing: WOW! What a loathsome, terrifying and incredibly evil monster did this actor give birth too. It is an incredible performance and out of the many serial killer roles that I have seen in my life, he certainly is in the top three. That’s for sure. Over the course of the 16 episodes that this series has, we get a story that has some nice shocks and tension, some comedy (mainly because of a few side characters that I haven’t named here, but really help to relieve some of the darker aspects of the show), and heartbreak as well. That said, there were also some moments during the middle of the drama where I felt it began to feel a bit slow. But luckily those moment did not carry on and the final episodes really made you forget those moments very quickly. Another element that I was a bit dissappointed by was the use of the timetravel aspect of this series. I had expected it to be used more, with maybe some clever jumps in between the timelines, but sadly that did not really happen.

See? I rest my case 🙂

Still, this Korean drama was a wonderful show. Even though it had some dark events happening in it, it never became too depressing. Most serial killing movies/series always seem to go to for the shocks or the horror, and while there were certainly scenes like that in it, there was also enough room for other more lighthearted things which was very refreshing. Tunnel is well worth checking out and also a series that for me at least seems like a good one to watch if you have never entered the world of the Korean dramas before. With memorable characters, a great, gripping and often tense story, this drama will leave a lasting impression in your mind. Well, that wasn’t too bad was it? I know the beginning of this review might have creeped you out, but hey it had to be done. Even I have a dark side…..

Lol….no worries: but maybe you haven’t seen a good one yet. This one is definitely a good one to start 😊 Trust me when I say that they are definitely worth watching. Not all of tjem of course, but this one really is 😀 And no I don’t think so lol: you do like anime right? 😂😂
Ps…I left a comment on your post early this morning but it disappeared, which means it probably went into your spamfilter…I have again been having problems with comments only today only certain blogs seem to be affected by it: sadly including yours 😢 But I just wanted to say that I am glad your back, and look forward to seeing new posts from you😀 (which is what you will find in the spamfilter lol😂).

I’m really wondering about that, but I am not the only one. I rescued two comments from my own spamfilter as well today. I really do wonder why this keeps happening, as it’s seriously annoying that’s for sure.

YA
I have a a stud gun but for racists and I pointed it at your username so sorry , the needle went of the charts.
But no need to fear I have a homeopathic remedie that’s been passed down to me by a tribe of korean monks tailor made to cure you. The Remedie involves watching The Snow Queen and My Lover From Another Star .

I felt like it was a little stretched but otherwise, I really enjoyed it. I’m one of those people who is fascinated by serial killer stories after all. I don’t know if you have watched Voice yet, but I think you will like that one too.

I agree, it really wasn’t perfect, but for the most part I really enjoyed it very much. Right now I am watching Lawless Lawyer (seriously having fun with that one so far), and guess what I will watch after that one (which by the way is not a joke, this really was next on my list). I love the darker dramas and from what I have seen so far from that one in trailers it looks very dark indeed 😊

Lawless Lawyer is terrific, I have now reached episode 5 and I am having a blast. The actors in that show are terrific, there is top notch action in it, some great humor, but also a great story of revenge. So far I highly recommend it: it’s a truly fun series.
Of course a comment yours really is making me curious to start on Voice right now lol 😂😂

Ps…I just commented on your own latest post but it disappeared, which means it’s probably in your spam filter (it’s an issue that just keeps happening every day lately and is very, very anoying 😢). But that’s why I am letting you know in this way as comments on my own blog don’t go the spamfilter (and if they do I can at least rescue them lol😂).

I just watched the first episode of Lawless Lawyer and I can tell it’s going to be good! Found your comment too. 😂 The only thing left fpr WordPress to do is classify your comments on your own blog as spam.

From that point on….it only gets better. That episode really was great…but it really takes off on episode 2 and 3. Glad to hear you are enjoying it too 😊
Lol…well…let’s not sat that too loud. Maybe wordpress is listening in, and they decide to do that as the next step. 😂😂

*adds this to my endless list of shows I need to watch* haha
But the time travel part does seem interesting & serial killers are always fascinating to me (I’ll blame that on my grandpa who was a homicide detective) so I’ll have to check out this show one day!
Also who are the other serial killer roles in your top 3?

Haha…well I have another Korean drama called Voice coming up as well which also deals with a serial killer and is supposedly very, very dark. So…probable another one to add to that list lol😂 But yes, this really is a show that is well worth checking out 😀
Haha…I was waiting for someone to ask that question: so here they come: Hannibal Lecter and John Doe (which unfortunately now has kind of a twisted feeling to it because of Kevin Spacey…still it was a superb role).

Haha…well not fluent (probably never lol), but I do recognise certain words. Trust me though: they are very cool (well some of them are anyway, not all of them). You can watch them yourself (for free and completely legal) on Viki.com. Also this week one of the most expensive Korean drama series ever made is going to start on Netflix. It’s calle mr Sunshine, and it’s one that I am really looking forward too. Just for you: here is a trailer: https://youtu.be/rPJSo4fhtRU

Pretty controversial idea of serials killers being “born” like that hahaah I do love these kinds of shows and this would have easily been something I’d have watched back when I used to explore kdrama! Sounds really solid too, great review, my man. Would never have known about this one if it weren’t for your positive review of it! 😀

Thank you again. Well it is a scary thought to be honest that there are people out there that for some reason in the blink of an eye can turn into a killer.
This show though was a great watch and I highly enjoyed it. I liked that it was a very unique take on the serial killer genre, and that it never became too dark so a lot of people can enjoy this 😊

It really is a great show and I think you will absolutely love this. Even though it is dark at times…it never gets too dark. It’s not on Netflix, but you can watch if for free and not to mention totally legal on the website Viki.com. It’s kind of the Netflix for Asian tv series and it offers a huge range of Korean dramas, as well as shows from other Asian countries. 😊

It is weird how some serial killers are romanticized by society. This series sounds a bit like a reverse Erased. Instead of traveling to the past, to stop a murderer, the protagonist travels to the future.

That’s a very interesting observation. I did not even think of that, but you are totally right.
Isn’t it just though. I do have to admit that I really do enjoy watching a good serial killer movie/show, but to romantice them is something I have never done…they are way too scary for that 😂😂

Well, this didn’t creep me out because…. I AM OBSESSED WITH SERIAL KILLERS. I think people who are are either
A: a serial killer, or learning how to become one
B: fascinated with trying to figure out why they do what they do… What IS the motivation?? Why is it always the quiet ones?? WHY?!
(well, the fact that I am SO LOUD and up in EVERYONE’S face.. You’ll probably figure out which is my reason)
Time travel AND serial killing?!?! I’m almost done my immediate Korean Drama and I think I know what I’m looking for next!! 💖💖💖 You’re the bestest!! 👍👍🍻

Haha, well…it could also be a combination of both A and B. And of course a comment like this is totally not creeping me out either…ahum..*cough, cough*…(so…how is the weather over there….😅😅)
Seriously though it is a great series and well worth the watch. Really liked this unique blend and the show pulled it off really well. I’m currently watching Lawless Lawyer, which so far is another winner as far as Korean dramas are concerned, and after that I will watch Voice which…..drumroll….is also about serial killers.
Ofcourse my reason is totally B….you believe me don’t you? 😊

Can you let me know if you get this reply? I’ve sent about 20 replies to people in the passed few minutes and they all seem to be disappearing and there’s no little arrow next to the comment saying that I replied… Rather disconcerting. 😕 I think WordPress is throwing me into spam limo again….

I’m really glad you enjoyed Tunnel 🙂 Most of your thoughts really mirror mine. My main disappointment was the lack of time travel being utilized more, but every other element was pretty much spot on. Great characters, great story, thrills, twists, mystery. Pretty much everything you would hope for in a solid crime drama 🙂 And glad to see you are still enjoying Lawless Lawyer too!

I really did, and I can’t thank you enough for recomending it to me. My mother loved it too (I think even more than I did myself lol). But honestly it really was pretty good. There were things that I had hoped would head in a different direction concerning the time travel elements, but other than that hardly any complaints from me.
As for Lawless Lawyer……it’s soo awesome 😍😍

Glob, that introduction was brilliant 🙂 . I felt myself getting a little creeped out near the end of it. But in all seriousness, serial killers are terrifying and I think its the fear of them that causes this weird fascination with them. I like your theory, too. It’s so much more dark and interesting.

Right! Moving quickly on before I creep you and myself out even more.
This show sounds amazing. The time travel seems like it would add an interesting element to the show. 🙂 I think I’ve just found another show for the “to watch” list. 😀
Great Review 😀

Before I reply to this: I just wrote a comment on your post, and it disappeared…so..you probably already know what this means: it’s lurking in your spamfilter…ugh…this is so annoying😢
But yeah..moving on before I actually turn into a serial killer 😂 Haha..I’m glad you liked the post, I had a bit of fun with the writing of this introduction 😊 This show really was amazing and one I really enjoyed. It was a pretty unique concept, and it was carried out in a very good way. This one definitely deserves a spot on your to watch list: hope you will enjoy it when the time comes to watch it 😊
As always thank you for the kind words 😀

Haha..no worries…I’ve been doing a lot of swearing myself today lol. It really is annoying, and I have seen a lot of people today who had this same probelm (the BookwormDrinketh even did an entire post on it).
But I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and have fun bingewatching the show 😊

Crime and time travel? I’m in! There have been so many brilliant crime dramas from South Korea of late. They know just how to conjure the most effective tension and emotional scenes in equal parts. Not forgetting, the comedy! Thanks for the excellent post as always. Appreciate the introduction, I’ll be sure to put this on my watchlist! ☺️

Thank you, always a pleasure to see a comment from you. I totally agree, they have been making a lot of absolutely amazing series these days. Currently watching Lawless Lawyer, and am highly enjoying that one as well. Expect a review for that series in the future 😊

You are very right about the number os serial killer themed novels, movies and TV series out there. I have never heard of this one but I really want to watch it. Kinda reminds me of memories of murder minus the time travel.if course..as usual great post friend!

It really is a great series. I really though it was a very unique blend timetravel and serial killers, and it certainly did not disappoint. The South Koreans just seem to make better and better series …currently I am watching Lawless Lawyer which is another hit. Thank you as always for the kind words and your wonderful comment 😊

Hi! Just letting you know that I just commented on your last post, but it disappeared which means it’s now in your spamfilter. The only way I can let people know is by replying to a comment on my own posts, which is why I am letting you know in this way. This bug is really getting annoying 😢

"Consider, can the universe be justifiably called infinite? Doubtful. It may not have a discernible end, but it had a beginning and its component parts definitely have a limited cosmological shelf-life. Splitting hairs or not, if history tells us anything, it's that scientists often make very poor poets. We're all just a ship of fools chasing phantoms, heedless of what really underwrites natural law." - Okabe Rintaro